Current rule? You can't take a camera into the McHenry County Government Center. Is that because the courtrooms are located there? Or maybe because of another reason? I could name several...
In an article from the Illinois Statehouse News Illinois courts may be about to become more transparent.
Illinois State Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride told the News that that time is now. Too bad it wasn't a decision in a court case.
He was quoted as saying, "By having the public keeping an eye on what is going on in the courtroom, it can act as a check in the balance of power."
Cameras in McHenry County courtrooms aren't the only help that is needed. In many of the courtrooms spectators and others waiting for their time for justice can't even hear what is being said. The judges are aware of complaints, yet they do nothing to remedy the failure to conduct court matters in normal tones.
The problem is not hearing impairment of those in the seating area. I've been in court when a judge had to lean forward toward an attorney and tell him to speak up. I was in court one day when an attorney seated at the attorney's table spoke up and said, "Can't hear." Even though he was no longer a party to the case, the judge invited him to the bench.
Somehow, I think that if I said out loud, "Can't hear", the judge would also invite me up to the bench. It would be for a different reason, though. He'd introduce me to his bailiff and have me escorted through that locked door, where I might get to cool my heels for a few hours or days as a Guest of the Court.
McHenry County court security officers turn away people with cameras in their pockets or purses almost every day. At the same time, they let people in with cameras every day! What cell phone today does not have a camera?
It is wrong to prohibit cameras in a government building. If a judge wants to prohibit photography in his courtroom, then he can post a sign at the door to the courtroom. But to prohibit cameras in a public building, just because it happens to contain courtrooms, is wrong.
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2 comments:
I'm not a fan of cameras in courtrooms, just turns it into a circus where attorneys are going for sound bites, witnesses and defendants are afraid to speak honestly and candidly on the stand knowing what they say, or don't say, will wind up on YouTube for all their friends and family to see.
If you're interested in a trial, go to the courthouse. If you can't, then get the transcripts or send a friend.
I too would not like candid camera use by anyone in the courtroom.
By media? Maybe. Just as I'd like City Council meetings recorded and broadcast.
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